31/05/11
The parliamentary process is at last underway to approve the draft regulations on the transfer of private sewers in England and Wales, the biggest change in responsibility for the sewerage system since 1937.
This government initiative transfers responsibility for private sewers from householders to water and sewerage companies.
Formal approval of the draft regulations - expected by mid June - will give the green light to water and sewerage companies to complete the action they need to take before they are given the huge responsibility of an extra 200,000 km of private sewers and lateral drains, on 1 October 2011.
Sewers built since the Public Health Act of 1936 are frequently the private responsibility of the property's owner. Following Parliament's approval, responsibility for these private sewers will be formally transferred.
